Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Akatonbo | Red Dragonfly” by Tsujita, Tatsuya
Dimensions: 8-0”h
The unusual and abstract representation is of a young girl moon-watching with pigtails flying, and titled head looking upwards. Incorporated are wonderful hand-painted red and gold Tonbo, (dragonflies), depicted on the variegated, coloration of the garment, and illustrating the contemporary nature surrounding Kokeshi making, showing a technical competence by the artist.
Tonbo is a symbol of the Samurai that represents the saying ‘never giving up', as the dragonfly doesn’t move backwards. The dragonfly is perhaps the oldest symbol in Japan, and is represented in many forms of art throughout the ages. The Nihon Shoki, the second oldest book of classical Japanese history, refers to Dragonflies as ‘Akitsu’. Very often, the Samurai wore clothes, or ornaments, that showcased the Tonbo design, as a reminder to never give up, but instead look towards the future.
And finally, September is the time for moon viewing, (Taukimi), which this figure is positioned to enjoy. The piece has an inscription on the bottom identifying the artist.
Condition: Excellent, pristine original condition, archival quality because of the uniqueness of the doll.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Tsujita, Tatsuya
[no-bio]Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Very little information can be found on this artist, but it is possible that he is a son or relative of Ryozo. These are abstract representations of young girls moon watching, with pigtails flying, and wonderful Tonbo depicted on their clothing. They illustrate the contemporary nature surrounding Kokeshi making. These unique lathe-turned, hand-painted dolls show a technical competence by the artist. Tonbo is a symbol of the Samurai that represents “never giving up”, as the dragonfly doesn’t move backwards. The dragonfly is perhaps the oldest symbol in Japan, and is represented in the many forms of art throughout the ages. The Nihon Shoki, the second oldest book of classical Japanese history, refers to Dragonflies as ‘Akitsu’. Very often, the Samurai wore clothes, or ornaments that showcased the Tonbo design, as a reminder to never give up, but instead look towards the future. And finally, September is time for moon viewing, (Taukimi), which these figures are positioned to enjoy.
Artist's signature:
